Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Ivica Zubac’s debut with the team will be postponed due to an ongoing ankle injury. Despite acquiring Zubac to strengthen the centre position, which has been a weakness since Myles Turner’s departure, the Pacers will not rush him back until he fully recovers, reflecting the priority placed on his long-term health.
Alongside Zubac, the Pacers also gained forward Kobe Brown in the trade that sent Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and multiple future draft picks to the Los Angeles Clippers just before the NBA trade deadline. This move was intended to solidify Indiana’s roster for upcoming seasons as the franchise navigates a difficult campaign.
Trade Details and Team Context
With Turner leaving in free agency last summer, Indiana struggled to find consistency at centre. Zubac, under contract through the 2027-28 season, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the Pacers’ future alongside Tyrese Haliburton, who plans to return next season following recovery from a torn Achilles. Zubac’s acquisition seeks to address both immediate and long-term roster concerns.
Prior to the trade, Zubac missed his last game with the Clippers due to the birth of his first child but had been a regular contributor, appearing in 43 games this season and posting averages of 14.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. His rebounding ranks him fifth overall in the NBA this season.
Ankle Injury Forces Caution on Zubac’s Playing Status
Carlisle emphasized that Zubac’s return hinges entirely on his recovery from the ankle issue that has intermittently affected him since December. The coach stated,
“It’s kind of yo-yo’d a little bit, Carlisle said of Zubac’s injury. My understanding from talking to him is that there’s still something there that’s not quite right. We’re not going to put him out there until he’s really ready. He’s a guy that has played 94 or 95 percent of his games throughout his career. I’m presuming that’s because he’s always raring to go through things.That’s not going to be an option here.”
This cautious approach underscores that health will not be compromised despite Indiana’s current poor standing, reflecting a strategy focused on sustainable team development rather than immediate fixes.
Current Team Performance Amid Injury Challenges
The decree on Zubac’s health came before the Pacers’ 105-99 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, a defeat that dropped Indiana’s record to 13-39. Key contributors Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam scored 22 and 19 points respectively, yet the team remains second-worst in the NBA and trails the final play-in spot by 10 games, highlighting the season’s ongoing struggles.
Strategic Changes Expected with Zubac at Centre
Carlisle indicated the team’s style will shift with Zubac manning the centre position, contrasting with Turner’s previous stretch approach. He commented,
“The two guys are different. We’ll study it and figure out how it all fits together. It’ll look a little different than when Myles was out there. I feel both those guys are top-10 centers in the NBA. So we’re fortunate to have made the deal.”
This reflects confidence in Zubac’s abilities and the belief that his presence, combined with other key players, will reshape Indiana’s gameplay.
Planning Ahead Despite a Difficult Season
Rick Carlisle’s careful management of Zubac’s injury signals a forward-looking attitude at the Pacers organization. The franchise continues to prioritize the player’s full recovery while aiming to build a competitive core featuring Zubac, Haliburton, and Siakam once health issues are resolved. This outlook aims to stabilize Indiana following one of its most challenging seasons.
